Abstract: A method for blending at least two hydrocarbon liquids, the method comprising: (a) determining the critical solvent power for each hydrocarbon liquid by (i) mixing each hydrocarbon liquid with predetermined amounts of a paraffin; (ii) centrifuging each resulting mixture; (iii) recovering and weighing any resulting precipitated insolubles from step (ii); and (iv) correlating the weight of the insolubles in step (iii) to the solvent power at which asphaltenes begin to precipitate out of the hydrocarbon; (b) determining the solvent power for each hydrocarbon liquid by: (i) determining the distillation curve and density of each hydrocarbon liquid; (ii) numerically integrating the distillation curve of each hydrocarbon liquid, producing the volume average boiling point for each hydrocarbon liquid; (iii) calculating the characterization K factor for each hydrocarbon liquid using the volume average boiling point in step (ii); and (iv) determining the solvent power of each hydrocarbon liquid using the characterizatio

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and an apparatus device for processing a biological and/or chemical sample. The device comprises at least one sample processing chamber having an inlet at a first end and a penetrable sealing layer at a second end that forms at least a part of an inner wall of the sample processing chamber. The sealing layer is adapted to seal off the sample processing chamber from the environment until said sealing layer is penetrated to form an outlet. The device and apparatus also includes an absorption layer, wherein upon penetration of said sealing layer, said absorption layer is in fluid contact with said sealing layer and is capable of absorbing fluid released from said sample processing chamber, via the outlet. The present invention also relates to a fluid separation device. The fluid separation device comprises a penetrable sealing layer adapted to form a wall of a sample processing chamber of the device of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to determine the fractional amount of at least one constituent of a hydrocarbon mixture, comprising dissolving the hydrocarbon mixture in a substantially hydrogen free solvent to produce a diluted solution, the diluted solution having sufficient solvent to render a NMR property of the diluted solution to be predictably related to the constituent concentrations of the hydrocarbon mixture; making NMR measurements on the diluted solution; and determining the fractional amount of at least one constituent of the hydrocarbon mixture from the NMR measurements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel assays for zero-valent transition metals. The novel assays of the present invention are generally methods or processes for quantitatively and/or qualitatively evaluating the presence of zero-valent transition metals on and/or within samples. Such assays generally involve a digestion process whereby the sample is exposed to carbon monoxide. Transition metals, if present in or on the sample and if contacted by the carbon monoxide, are extracted by the carbon monoxide as metal carbonyl species, the presence of which confirms the presence of transition metals. Such novel assays have enormous predictive power in oil and gas exploration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assays for ascribing catalytic activity to rock samples by virtue of zero-valent transition metals potentially being present within the sample. Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to novel assays for measuring intrinsic paleocatalytic activities (k) of sedimentary rocks for converting oil to gas and projecting the activities to the subsurface based on the measured linear relationship between ln(k) and temperature (T).

Abstract: Described is a downhole method and apparatus for detecting hydrogen sulphide in formation fluids produced in a hydrocarbon well. The sensor system is located within or in communication with an extraction chamber used to extract hydrogen sulphide in a gaseous state from the formation fluid and preferably equipped with renewable sensing elements.

Abstract: A process is described, and also the system for its embodiment, for the determination of pollution by MTBE in the soil and in the overlying atmosphere. An example is described relating to the monitoring of underground fuel tanks for autotraction containing an oxygenated additive.

Abstract: An indicator mixture that allows pH measurement over a broader range of pH or to a higher accuracy than available using conventional spectroscopic techniques. In particular, the mixture of the present invention is comprised of two or more reagents such that when combined, the reagent mixture is capable of either detecting: (1) a pH range broader or more accurate than that the reagents individually, or (2) pH more accurately than the reagents individually. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the mixture.

Abstract: Indicia of stability or thresholds of instability may be used to assess the proximity of hydrocarbon materials such as petroleum residua to deposition of carbon rich materials. The invention may be used to evaluate suitability of such hydrocarbon materials to various types of processing methodologies, or to determine processing parameters, either prior to processing or during processing. Prediction of proximity to deposition of carbon rich materials may result in continuous process parameters or increased output, decreased energy use or decreased amount of emissions per unit of such hydrocarbon materials compared to conventional processing technology. Products produced or products processed with this technology may also have a higher level of purity.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying, reporting, and evaluating a presence of a solid, liquid, gas, or other substance of interest, particularly a dangerous, hazardous, or otherwise threatening chemical, biological, or radioactive substance. The system comprises one or more substantially automated, location self-aware remote sensing units; a control unit; and one or more data processing and storage servers. Data is collected by the remote sensing units and transmitted to the control unit; the control unit generates and uploads a report incorporating the data to the servers; and thereafter the report is available for review by a hierarchy of responsive and evaluative authorities via a wide area network. The evaluative authorities include a group of relevant experts who may be widely or even globally distributed.

Abstract: A sensor system for controlling humidity effects on sensor performance comprising one or more sensor devices, a moisture reservoir disposed adjacent to the sensor array, wherein the moisture reservoir comprises desiccant materials operable for reversibly exchanging moisture with a sampled atmosphere, and a hydrophobic semi-permeable membrane permeable to volatile organic compounds and impermeable to water. A probe device for sampling groundwater comprising a sensor array, a moisture reservoir disposed adjacent to the sensor array, wherein the moisture reservoir comprises desiccant materials operable for extracting moisture from a sampled atmosphere, a hydrophobic semi-permeable membrane, a groundwater entry assembly, a power source, an analyte trap, and communications electronics. Methods for sampling a subaqueous environment using a probe device.

Abstract: An automated device that couples a pair of differently sized sample loops with a syringe pump and a source of degassed water. A fluid sample is mounted at an inlet port and delivered to the sample loops. A selected sample from the sample loops is diluted in the syringe pump with the degassed water and fed to a flow through detector for analysis. The sample inlet is also directly connected to the syringe pump to selectively perform analysis without dilution. The device is airtight and used to detect oxygen-sensitive species, such as dithionite in groundwater following a remedial injection to treat soil contamination.

Abstract: Isolated and purified lipoxygenase proteins and nucleic acids are described. Particularly, a novel human 15(S) lipoxygenase (15-Lox-2) protein and cDNA and a cDNA for mouse 8S-lipoxygenase are described. Recombinant host cells, recombinant nucleic acids and recombinant proteins are also described, along with methods of producing each. Isolated and purified antibodies to 15-Lox-2 and 8-Lox, and methods of producing the same, are also described.

Abstract: A method of determining the composition of a sample including heavy oil or bitumen and water using low-field NMR. The NMR spectrum of the sample is taken at relatively low and high temperatures and the oil or water content is determined from the spectra and differential spectrum.

Abstract: A test for determining the bioavailable fraction of an organic pollutant present in soil comprises determining the fraction of the organic pollutant present in the soil which may be extracted by a cyclodextrin or derivative thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to the selection of a crude oil or crude oil blend for the production of high-performing paving asphalt based on molecular composition of the asphalt and of the parent crude oil or crude oil blend based, at least in part, on high resolution mass spectrometric measurements and relationships to rheological properties.

Abstract: An automated device that couples a pair of differently sized sample loops with a syringe pump and a source of degassed water. A fluid sample is mounted at an inlet port and delivered to the sample loops. A selected sample from the sample loops is diluted in the syringe pump with the degassed water and fed to a flow through detector for analysis. The sample inlet is also directly connected to the syringe pump to selectively perform analysis without dilution. The device is airtight and used to detect oxygen-sensitive species, such as dithionite in groundwater following a remedial injection to treat soil contamination.

Abstract: The present invention is a one-step thermal method for analyzing the acid-base content of earth samples, specifically mine overburden samples. By using a low oxygen concentration, preferably about 3%, the transition metal carbonates in the sample decomposed to produce carbon dioxide at a lower temperature than the alkaline earth metal carbonates. In contrast, alkaline earth metal carbonates decompose at approximately the same (higher) temperature regardless of the oxygen concentration. Any oxidizable sulfur forms present in the sample are also oxidized by using this oxygen concentration so that only one experiment is required to obtain the carbonate and sulfur contents of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of estimating ingredients of liquefaction products of coal or its analogues from a resonance spectrum thereof obtained using their solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer. The method comprises the first step of obtaining a resonance spectrum of coal or its analogues using a solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, the second step of determining distribution of various types of carbon having different linkage types which constitute the molecular structure of the coal or its analogues, and the third step of estimating ingredients of liquefaction products of the coal or its analogues on the basis of the determined carbon distribution.

Abstract: A method for analyzing metal in a fluid is provided comprising maintaining a first portion of a continuous filter media substrate at a temperature coinciding with the phase in which the metal is to be analyzed; contacting the fluid to a first portion of said substrate to retain the metal on the first portion of said substrate; preventing further contact of the fluid to the first portion of substrate; and contacting the fluid to a second portion of said substrate to retain metal on the second portion of the said substrate while simultaneously analyzing the first portion for metal.

Abstract: The presence of hydrocarbons in water is detected by contacting a water sample with an adsorbent material to extract hydrocarbons from the water sample and then contacting the adsorbent material with a solvent for the hydrocarbons. A developer such as a miscible nonsolvent liquid is mixed into the solvent to produce a test mixture. The turbidity of the test mixture is observed to determine the presence of hydrocarbons in the water sample. The nonsolvent may contain at least 0.5% salt, e.g., at least 1%, preferably 5% salt, and an emulsifier. Turbidity may be measured quantitatively by measuring light scattered at 90.degree. to a test light beam or by visual comparison to a reference scale.

Abstract: Antibodies having binding affinity for free IGFBP-1, biological compositions including antibodies having binding affinity for free IGFBP-1, kits for detecting free IGFBP-1 using the antibodies, and cell lines for producing the antibodies are provided. Also provided are devices and methods for detecting free IGFBP-1 and a rupture in a fetal membrane based on the presence of amniotic fluid in a vaginal secretion, as indicated by the presence of free IGFBP-1 in the vaginal secretion. The antibodies that are provided may be characterized by their ability to selectively recognize those IGFBP-1 molecules which are free of IGF-1 and IGF-2, i.e., antibodies which have a binding affinity for free IGFBP-1 that is greater than a binding affinity of the antibody to bound IGFBP-1. These antibodies may also be characterized by their competition with IGF-1 and IGF-2 for binding to IGFBP-1.

Abstract: A device for determining at least one petroleum characteristic of a geologic sediment sample placed in a boat, said device including a first heater heating said sample in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, a measuring component determining hydrocarbon-containing products released after feeding the sample into said first heater, a second subsequent heater heating said sample in an oxidizing atmosphere, a measuring component determining the amount of CO.sub.2 contained in effluents discharged from the two heaters, said CO.sub.2 measuring means include a cell for measuring continuously CO.sub.2 throughout heating of the first and second heaters and a measuring component determining the amount of CO contained in the effluents discharged from the two heaters, and thereby allowing determination of said petroleum characteristic.

Abstract: The presence of hydrocarbons in soil is detected by immersing a soil sample in a water-miscible solvent capable of dissolving the hydrocarbons to extract hydrocarbons from the soil into the solvent. An aqueous developer is mixed into the solvent to produce a test mixture. The turbidity of the test mixture is observed to determine the presence of hydrocarbons in the soil. The aqueous developer may contain at least 0.5% salt, e.g., at least 1%, preferably 5% salt, and an emulsifier. Turbidity may be measured quantitatively by measuring light scattered at 90.degree. to a test light beam or by visual comparison to a reference scale.

Abstract: A method of determining a parameter of a physical model representing the electrical behavior of a composition is provided. The method comprises defining said model by a relationship between the electrical properties of the composition, a plurality of physical variables of the composition and said parameter, and measuring an electrical property of the composition. A sample which is representative for said composition is selected, and an electrical property of the sample is measured for various magnitudes of at least one of said physical variables. An incoherence function is selected, defining a difference between the measured electrical properties and the electrical properties as calculated from said relationship, said incoherence function being such that independent measurements are weighted in dependence of their accuracy. The parameter is determined by minimization of the incoherence function.

Abstract: A water-immiscible organic fluid is tagged and identified by tagging the organic fluid with between about 0.25 and about 100 ppm of a marker compound having the formula: ##STR1## where the OH groups are either ortho or para to the diazo moieties, and the Xs are the same or different and are selected from C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 -alkyl, Cl, Br, F, NH.sub.2, CN, NO.sub.2, NH(C.sub.1-3 -alkyl) and N(C.sub.1-3 -alkyl).sub.2, and the fluid is identified by extracting the tagged fluid with an alkaline aqueous extractant having a pH above about 12 and containing, based on 100 parts by weight of said extractant, between about 10 and about 60 parts by weight of an organic cosolvent having the formula:R.sup.1 --O--R.sup.2 --NH.sub.2 (II)where R.sup.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 -alkyl, and R.sup.2 is C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkylene.

Abstract: Saturation variations are obtained by displacing a first fluid (for example water) that initially saturates a sample (1) coated with resin (2) by injecting therein, through a first end plate or cap (3) and by means of a pump (7), a second fluid (for example oil). The mixture flowing out through an opposite end plate (4) is collected in an initially filled two-phase separator (9) placed on an electronic balance (10). The first excess fluid flows towards a vessel (13), and the progressive accumulation of the second fluid in separator (9) leads to a variation in the total weight. A programmed processor (14) computes permanently the saturation values of the sample with respect to the first and to the second fluid, from the measured weight variations of separator (9). The method and device can be used for laboratory measurements of rock samples for example.

Abstract: A method allowing fast assessment of at least one petroleum characteristic of geologic sediments from a sample of these sediments, said method comprising heating the sample in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, and which method comprises different temperature rise stages; determining at least three magnitudes S.sub.1r, S.sub.2a and S.sub.b representative of the quantity of hydrocarbons contained in said sample, and deducing at least one petroleum characteristic of the geologic sediment from these three magnitudes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining at least one petroleum characteristic of a geologic sediment sample heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere and an oxidizing atmosphere. The sample is heated to a first temperature value below 200.degree. C. for a predetermined period of time and then to a second temperature value ranging between 600 and 850.degree. C. according to a temperature gradient between 0.2.degree. C. and 50.degree. C./min. Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are continuously measured during the temperature stages in order to determine at least one petroleum characteristic, wherein said petroleum characteristic comprises a quantity of organic oxygen, inorganic oxygen, total organic carbon, or inorganic carbon.

Abstract: A method of evaluating at least on type of pollution characteristic in a soil sample contaminated by hydrocarbon compounds, a method wherein the soil sample is first heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, then in an oxidizing atmosphere. The method comprises several temperature rise stages from which at least five quantities Q.sub.0, Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2, Q.sub.3 and Q.sub.4 are measured, wherein the quantities represent concentrations of hydrocarbon compounds in the soil sample. At least one type of pollution characteristic of the sample is determined from quantities Q.sub.0, Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2, Q.sub.3 and Q.sub.4.

Abstract: Methods to determine the geographic sources of soil samples are described. A biological fingerprint profile of the sample is determined. The profile is compared to a library which is constructed of datasets which relate biological profiles and geographic locations of soil samples. The invention provides a tool for identification of pollution sources of soil origin.

Abstract: The presence of hydrocarbons in soil is detected by immersing a soil sample in a water-miscible solvent capable of dissolving the hydrocarbons to extract hydrocarbons from the soil into the solvent. An aqueous developer is mixed into the solvent to produce a test mixture. The turbidity of the test mixture is observed to determine the presence of hydrocarbons in the soil. The aqueous developer may contain at least 0.5% salt, e.g., at least 1%, preferably 5% salt, and an emulsifier. Turbidity may be measured quantitatively by measuring light scattered at 90.degree. to a test light beam or by visual comparison to a reference scale.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a sample to determine its mineral composition. The invention combines X-ray diffraction with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to provide a complete spectrum including molecular vibrations, probed by FTIR scans and lattice spacing measured by X-ray diffraction in a single representation. This FX spectrum provides a more complete and accurate mineralogy than either of the techniques alone. In addition, new techniques for independent X-ray diffraction analysis and FTIR analysis are described.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative determination of oil in a soil matrix is provided, in which the method involves: extracting a soil sample with a solvent in the presence of a drying agent to provide an extract containing oil, if present in the soil sample, wherein the solvent is capable of complete solvation of oil and is completely miscible with water; filtering the extract; combining the filtered extract with water in the presence of an emulsifier to form an assay sample; and determining the amount of oil in the soil sample by measuring the turbidity of the assay sample to provide a turbidimetric response for the assay sample which correlates to concentration of oil present in the assay sample and comparing the turbidimetric response to a standard curve prepared from performing the methods on soil samples of known oil content. A kit for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: An early warning system for providing notice that seismic activity, such as an earthquake, is imminent. The earthquake early warning system includes a subterranean detector unit assembly having a plurality of detector units carried by a subterranean inverted conduit. The conduit is filled with a dense, dry inert aggregate and has a soil interface consisting of a perforated metal screen or porous fabric material thus allowing migrating gases to migrate into the conduit. Gas detectors carried by the conduit detect the gases as they migrate into the conduit. Access tubes are provided to allow access to the detectors from the surface of the ground without exhuming the conduit assembly. The conduit would carry a plurality of detectors and associated access tubes for monitoring migration of gases across a linear distance. The detectors are in communication with a monitoring facility for monitoring the rate of migration of gases.

Abstract: Precise and accurate determination of gypsum in soils has been difficult, laborious and time consuming by currently available methods. The present invention solves such problems by: 1) Direct removal of nongypsic sulfate from 2-g soil sample with 25-mL portion of 50-% (v/v) ethanol, thus, eliminating positive errors in gypsum measurement from sulfate analysis while causing essentially no loss in gypsum content of the sample, and 2) stoichiometric conversion of soil gypsum to Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and CaCO.sub.3 (s) by two equlibrations of the soil sediment with 25-mL increments of 0.5M Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 solution plus 30-s sonification. The SO.sub.4 in the supernatent solution is centrifuge separated, analyzed by the standard BaSO.sub.4 gravimetric and turbidimetric methods, and gypsum content is computed from equation [8]:gypsum(g)/soil(kg)=[SO.sub.4 (g) /soil(kg)(172/96.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining mercury vapor content of a body of earth for the purpose of ascertaining the mercury vapor content and correlating to the expected degree of mineralized character of the body of earth which includes the use of a strip of silver placed within a pocket in the body of earth involved and then after an appropriate exposure time analyzing the silver to determine the mercury vapor content by reason of absorption of vapor therefrom by the silver and the subsequent driving off and measuring thereof.

Abstract: Steam quality is measured by mixing the steam with a small amount of surfactant to convert the steam to a stable foam, passing the stable foam through a capillary tube to determine foam quality (volume of vapor per volume of vapor and liquid) by measuring the streaming potential coupling coefficient of the foam passing through the tube, and converting foam quality (volume per volume) to steam quality (mass of vapor per mass of vapor and liquid) based upon the fluid density of the liquid-water and water-vapor phase of the steam.

Abstract: A collective fluid inclusions volatiles sample is released from each of a plurality of sedimentary rock samples and analyzed as it is being released to determine composition thereof. Compositions are used for mapping the earth's subsurface.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of sulfide in a process stream. The method comprises the steps of adding to a process stream a sulfide scavenger (probe) that changes electronic properties when it reacts with sulfide. One can then monitor the electronic properties of the sulfide scavenger in the process stream to determine the concentration of sulfide present. In a preferred embodiment, the sulfide scavenger is either fluorescent and when it reacts with sulfide becomes inactive or is inactive and when it reacts with sulfide becomes fluorescent.

Abstract: A method is described to evaluate the R.sub.wb parameter, which can be applied to the Dual Water log interpretation model by measuring the resistivity of initial brines and of filtrates from muds prepared with shales. The method allows a more precise evaluation of the R.sub.wb parameter and eventually the reservoir porosity as well as the hydrocarbon storage capacity of a given reservoir.

Abstract: A method of geochemical prospecting where samples of soil, sediment and rock in a geological area are collected and each sample is contacted with a leach solution of water, glucose and glucose oxidase. The oxidase acts upon the glucose to produce gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The leach solution reacts with manganese dioxide carrying trace metal elements and compounds in the samples to produce a leach reaction solution. The leach reaction solution and the residue of the said sample are separated, and the leach reaction solution is analyzed to determine the trace metal content present. From the analysis, the mineral content of the geological area is predicted.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for simulation of field fluid flow conditions under elevated temperature and pressure conditions of oil and gas production, refining, cooling towers, desalinization. The process involves evaluating inhibitor action in reduction of a specified chemical reaction under simulated field aqueous flow conditions by forming first and second aqueous flow streams having a preset concentration of anions and cations, respectively, for the specified chemical reaction with at least one of these streams having a concentration of the inhibitor to inhibit the specified chemical reaction. These streams are combined to form a single process stream where the specified chemical reaction may take place. The process is repeated with successive reductions in inhibitor until detecting the specified chemical reaction in the process stream.

Abstract: Gas flux rate from a surface is measured using an elongated tubular housing having a lower open end and an upper open end with a support positioned within the housing a predetermined distance from the lower open end. A gas sampling wand extends into the housing from the upper open end and is supported on the support. The wand has a lower open end at the support generally co-planar with the lower open end of the housing. An air baffle is coupled to the upper open end of the housing for reducing velocity and pressure fluctuations of atmospheric air entering the housing from the upper end. A detector is coupled to the wand for measuring the concentration of selected gases within the housing. A funnel-shaped hood circumscribes the lower open end of the wand and increases the sample collection area of the wand. An air pump is coupled to the wand for drawing air and gases into the wand from the area adjacent the lower open end of the housing.

Abstract: An optical microscope supports a housing having a closed chamber in which a particle to be pyrolyzed is disposed and is exposable to a targeting laser beam for precisely positioning the particle and a power laser beam for heating and pyrolyzing the selected particle. The pyrolysis chamber housing is supported on a heater disposed on the microscope stage for movement into the focal plane of the objective lens and into the beam path of the targeting and power lasers. The lasers are mounted together and, in combination with multiple reflecting mirrors, direct their beams along a common beam path. The lasers are mounted on an adjustable support base for adjusting the position of the beam path along three mutually perpendicular axes.

Abstract: A collective fluid inclusions volatiles sample is released from each of a plurality of sedimentary rock samples and analyzed as it is being released to determine composition thereof. Compositions are used for mapping the earth's subsurface.

Abstract: A collective fluid inclusions volatiles sample is released from each of a plurality of sedimentary rock samples and analyzed as it is being released to determine composition thereof. Compositions are used for mapping the earth's subsurface. The sample is released by an automated crushing mechanism and analyzed by a system of concurrently operated mass spectrometers each scanning a specific set of mass to charge ratio responses.

Abstract: Complex metal anions such as cobaltic hexacyanide are utilized as nonradioactive tracers in reservoir studies. Sensitive analytical procedures enable detection and measurement of very low tracer levels.

Abstract: A laboratory device and method are adapted to subject a same rock sample to successive liquid treatments without any intermediary handling of the sample. The device combines a chamber comprising a first part fitted with an inlet for introducing a rock sample and liquid reagents into the chamber; a heater for regulating the temperature in the chamber and a plug fitted within an open port for protecting the chamber from an overpressure. The first part also comprises means for stirring the contents of the chamber including a liquid by introducing gas as bubbles into the liquid. A second part of the chamber is located under the first part and a selective filtering unit is interposed between the first and second parts of the chamber, the filter has a porosity selected for retaining organic material contained in the sample.

Abstract: A heating and targeting laser beam and microscope apparatus optically senses, heats to generate a effluent fluid and chemically analyzes the thermal extract fluid or fluid pyrolyzates from a microscopic particle within a heterogeneous composite sample. A transparent duct-like chamber having a bottom opening is attached to a microscope. A contact surface of the sample is raised to abut against the bottom opening, which encloses the space around the particle and also brings the particle into the common focal plane of the microscope and the converging laser beam(s). This single step avoids the complex separate focusing and sealing steps required by present day techniques.